5 up-and-coming fast casuals vying for 'Perfect Pitch' in Charlotte

by Cherryh Cansler — Publisher, FastCasual.com

The founders of five brands under five years old with fewer than five locations will try to convince execs and advisers attending the Perfect Pitch during the…

Pokeworks promotes Steve Heeley to CEO

August 16, 2021

In a move to bolster its growth strategy and strengthen the brand, Pokeworks, a fast casual serving traditional Hawaiian-inspired poke, has promoted CMO Steve…

Restaurant gift card sales surging

August 16, 2021

Restaurant gift card sales appear to be making a strong recovery after a trying 2020, according to the Paytronix Mid-Year Gift Card Report 2021. It found that…

Restaurant industry players launch Better Business survey to help chefs

August 13, 2021

The Culinary Institute of America is partnering with the James Beard Foundation, Black Food Folks, S. Pellegrino Young Chef Academy and Fine Dining Lovers to…

La Madeleine debuts Express model within Dallas Walmart stores

August 13, 2021

La Madeleine French Bakery & Café has rolled out its first Express store model locations in three Dallas-based Walmart stores.

I Heart Mac & Cheese jumps into systemwide re-design

August 12, 2021

I Heart Mac & Cheese, a fast-casual restaurant specializing in customizable, made-to-order macaroni and cheese bowls and grilled cheese sandwiches, will…

Focus Brands International leader talks success in the post-COVID world

by Judy Mottl — Editor: RetailCustomerExperience.com & DigitalSignageToday.com, Connect Media

Focus Brands International President Beto Guajardo shared his insight, as well as personal and professional lessons in business growth, during his keynote…

Shake Shack raising prices as much as 3.5%

August 10, 2021

Fast casual brand Shake Shack intends to increase prices come the fourth quarter, anywhere from 3% to 3.5%, which is about 1% more than its typical annual 2…

Tyson Foods boosts Q3 2021 sales, earnings

August 10, 2021

Tyson Foods Inc. reported improved sales and earnings for the three months ending July 3, 2021 compared to Q3, 2020, according to a press release.

A deep dive into one brand's food safety strategy

At Mooyah Burgers, Fries & Shakes, food safety is paramount and the safety strategy is proving to pay off in more ways than one.

US Foods reports improved sales, earnings for Q2 2021

August 10, 2021

US Foods Holding Corp. reported strong sales and earnings for the second quarter of 2021 ending July 3 as markets lifted in-person dining restrictions on…

Chef David Danielson opens Hoss Boss Wings & Ribs ghost kitchen

August 9, 2021

David Danielson, executive chef at the Churchill Downs horse racing complex in Louisville, Kentucky, has opened Hoss Boss Wings & Ribs, a ghost kitchen…

Majority of restaurant owners fear Delta outbreaks will harm business recovery

August 9, 2021

A hefty number of restaurants, 88%, are fearful the ongoing Delta coronavirus variant spread will hurt recovery and it's a fear that 76% of all small business…

Policy experts discuss restaurant compliancy changes

Navigating your way through the maze of restaurant health and safety regulations hasn't gotten any easier as the pandemic has eased. In fact, according to one…

Shake Shack enjoys robust Q2 earnings, digital boasts double-digit growth

August 6, 2021

The second quarter of 2021 was a big win for fast casual Shake Shack as the brand saw revenue increase 104%, hitting $187 million, and sales spike 52.7…

Wayback Burgers enjoyed strong Q2, continues expansion plans

August 6, 2021

Wayback Burgers, a fast casual featuring cooked-to-order burgers and thick, hand-dipped milkshakes, plans to continue expansion and innovation in the later…

Pita Mediterranean Street Food debuts concession-style stands

August 6, 2021

Pita Mediterranean Street Food, a fast casual chain offering fresh, made-to-order chicken gyros, street pitas, mezza spread, rice bowls, salads and dessert…

Instacart hires on Facebook executive as president

August 6, 2021

Instacart, an online grocery platform, has appointed Carolyn Everson as president, effective Sept. 7. Prior to joining Instacart, Everson served as VP of…

Why technology is the big break in tackling restaurant labor shortage

by Dinesh Saparamadu — CEO, Applova Inc.

Dinesh Saparamadu, CEO and founder of Applova Inc., shares insight on how technology, specifically automation, can be a winning solution for restaurants…

Starbird Chicken to require masks

August 5, 2021

Due to rising COVID-19 cases in the Bay Area, Starbird Chicken, a fast casual chain, is now requiring masks for employees and customers at its locations. Its…